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Jan 13, 2017

Startups for GCHQ’s cyber security accelerator revealed

Seven startups are to be included in a cyber security accelerator run by GCHQ, Telefónica’s Wayra and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The accelerator, which was first announced in September last year, is part of the Government’s aim to help increase cyber security skills and boost the number of cyber security companies in the UK.

Opportunity

Amongst the startup companies chosen for the accelerator are counter-intelligence company CounterCraft, intelligence platform FutureScraper and AI-powered intelligence platform StatusToday.

Other participating startups include CyberOwl, a system that provides early warnings for cyber-attacks; Cybersmart, a platform that evaluates cybersecurity protections for companies; Verimuchme, a digital wallet that offers security and verification of personal information; and Spherical Defence, an API system for banks that detects attacks from hackers.

Startups taking part in the accelerator will receive a grant of £5,000 and will be given the opportunity to work at the accelerator’s base, as well as being provided with support from experts at GCHQ and Telefónica.

Significant

Commenting on the accelerator, Wayra UK and Telefónica Open Future Director, Gary Stewart, said: “The opening of the GCHQ Cyber Accelerator is a significant step forward for the UK’s ambitions to be a global hub for cyber talent.”

Stewart stated at the time of the announcement of the accelerator that he wasn’t really certain what to expect when Wayra first began conversations with GHCQ.

“There was an interest in working at a startup pace and in a startup way, and of immersing even very senior people within the initial meetings,” he said.

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